Kerala-based startup Carbelim Private Limited has won the prestigious SEFFY Social Impact Award at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a climate-tech innovator.
Registered with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), Carbelim has been incubated at the IIT Madras Incubation Cell and the IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre. The company focuses on nature-based carbon capture technologies aimed at reducing industrial emissions.
Carbelim’s core innovation involves a blend of eleven types of microalgae that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while also filtering harmful air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Its flagship product, the Carbelim Biomimetic Facade, is a living wall system equipped with Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for real-time monitoring, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The device is currently under patent application.
The startup was founded by Karthika Gopi, who holds a PhD in nature-based carbon sequestration from UAE University and has over a decade of experience in algal biotechnology. She has previously worked with organisations such as Dendra Systems and led multiple climate-focused pilot projects across Europe and the Gulf region.
Beyond carbon capture, Carbelim is also transforming microalgae biomass into engineered biochar, integrating flue gas purification and water treatment processes. This biochar is further converted into internationally recognised carbon credits, introducing a sustainable revenue model for industries.
The company has also partnered with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to conduct field trials on a bio-stimulant aimed at enhancing plant root growth, linking organic farming practices with the emerging carbon economy.
Carbelim has previously earned accolades including the ‘Product of the Year 2025’ award from the World Filtration Institute, recognition as a finalist in the MIT Solve Global Challenge, and a ₹20 lakh sustainability grant from Startup India.
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